MAN CITY MIDFIELDER Yaya Toure has issued a statement apologising for criticisms aimed at manager Pep Guardiola by his agent Dimitri Seluk in an apparent attempt to salvage his career with the Premier League leaders.
Toure’s solitary competitive appearance during Guardiola’s Etihad Stadium tenure came in the second leg of the Champions League play-off tie against Steaua Bucharest and he was subsequently left out of City’s squad for the competition proper.
That prompted an extended vilification of Guardiola from Seluk, who had previously questioned the manager’s capabilities after he sanctioned Toure’s move to City in 2010 while in charge of Barcelona.
Guardiola responded by stating Toure would not be selected for City again until he said sorry for his representative’s actions.
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In a statement on his Facebook page posted on Friday, this appears to be what the 33-year-old has offered, although neither Guardiola or Seluk are mentioned by name.
I wish to apologise — on behalf of myself and those who represent me — to the management team and all those working at the club for the misunderstandings from the past,” Toure said.
“Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there. I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club.
“I am immensely proud to have played a part in the club’s history and want to help City succeed further. I live to play football and entertain the fans.
On that note, I would like to thank all of the fans for their messages through this difficult period. This means a great deal to me and my family.”
Toure’s statement comes after Seluk gave an interview to the Daily Mirror, in which he offered to make peace with Guardiola under instructions from his client.
Of course, I hope Pep takes the decision to bring Yaya back into his squad. But even if he doesn’t, I can assure him that I am not going to speak about him any more in the media,” he said.
Ahead of last week’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the EFL Cup, Guardiola told reporters, “I would like to come (into a game) with Yaya, believe me.”
Toure has continued to train with City’s first team during a period when he has been unable to add to 269 appearances and 72 goals for the club in all competitions.
The former Ivory Coast international has won two Premier League titles and two League Cups during his time in Manchester, along with the 2011 FA Cup after his winning goal against Stoke City at Wembley secured City’s first major trophy for 35 years.
Guardiola’s Premier League leaders host Middlesbrough on Saturday on the back of a stunning 3-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona in midweek.
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Yaya Toure makes public apology to Manchester City
MAN CITY MIDFIELDER Yaya Toure has issued a statement apologising for criticisms aimed at manager Pep Guardiola by his agent Dimitri Seluk in an apparent attempt to salvage his career with the Premier League leaders.
Toure’s solitary competitive appearance during Guardiola’s Etihad Stadium tenure came in the second leg of the Champions League play-off tie against Steaua Bucharest and he was subsequently left out of City’s squad for the competition proper.
That prompted an extended vilification of Guardiola from Seluk, who had previously questioned the manager’s capabilities after he sanctioned Toure’s move to City in 2010 while in charge of Barcelona.
Guardiola responded by stating Toure would not be selected for City again until he said sorry for his representative’s actions.
In a statement on his Facebook page posted on Friday, this appears to be what the 33-year-old has offered, although neither Guardiola or Seluk are mentioned by name.
“Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there. I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club.
“I am immensely proud to have played a part in the club’s history and want to help City succeed further. I live to play football and entertain the fans.
Toure’s statement comes after Seluk gave an interview to the Daily Mirror, in which he offered to make peace with Guardiola under instructions from his client.
Ahead of last week’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the EFL Cup, Guardiola told reporters, “I would like to come (into a game) with Yaya, believe me.”
Toure has continued to train with City’s first team during a period when he has been unable to add to 269 appearances and 72 goals for the club in all competitions.
The former Ivory Coast international has won two Premier League titles and two League Cups during his time in Manchester, along with the 2011 FA Cup after his winning goal against Stoke City at Wembley secured City’s first major trophy for 35 years.
Guardiola’s Premier League leaders host Middlesbrough on Saturday on the back of a stunning 3-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona in midweek.
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